Parents, guardians, and school administrators across the country can breathe a sigh of relief following the government’s timely release of capitation funds ahead of the reopening of schools for the first term of the 2026 academic year.
The Ministry of Education has disbursed a total of Ksh 44,245,066,500.85 to public basic education institutions nationwide, ensuring schools are financially prepared to receive learners when they report back on January 5, 2026. The funds cover public primary, junior secondary, and secondary schools under the government’s free basic education programme.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba confirmed the release, noting that the move was aimed at guaranteeing a smooth start to the new school term. He said the early disbursement would allow school administrators to adequately prepare essential learning materials, meet operational costs, and settle critical obligations such as utilities and co-curricular activities.
According to the Ministry, the capitation funds are meant to support the day-to-day running of schools, including the purchase of teaching and learning materials, maintenance of facilities, and support for learners’ welfare. The timely release is expected to ease pressure on parents who often fear additional levies when schools reopen without sufficient funding.
School heads have welcomed the move, saying it will help them plan better and avoid disruptions that have, in the past, affected learning during the opening weeks of the term. Education stakeholders have also urged school administrators to ensure prudent use of the funds in line with government guidelines.
With the capitation now in school accounts, attention shifts to accountability and effective utilisation to enhance the quality of education and ensure a stable learning environment for all learners as the new term begins.